The Jacob Riis Park Bathhouse, a historic Art Deco gem, will soon receive a well-deserved makeover after nearly half a century.
Under the terms of a recently signed 60-year lease from the National Park Service (NPS), work on the 1932 bathhouse will begin this fall with an expected phased opening beginning in 2023.
The $50 million project will completely revitalize the bathhouse bringing it back to its original glory. Many of the building’s original features will be brought back, including two restaurants, a cafeteria, and concession stands. Add-ons will include a rooftop restaurant, ground floor eateries, a casual beachfront bar, and retailers stocking beach supplies like sunblock and towels. Spaces on the second floor will be converted into 28 hotel rooms, a catering hall, and event spaces, while the outside courtyard will feature a brand new pool as well as lounge areas.
Jacob Riis Park stood as a popular summertime destination for New Yorkers for decades, but the bathhouse stood vacant after sustaining extensive damage from Hurricane Sandy. Post-Sandy rehabilitation will make the historic property more resilient to future storms and expected sea-level rise.
Brooklyn Bazaar, who was selected by the NPS to renovate the facility in 2017, has hired CBSK Developers and renowned architecture firm Beyer Blinder Belle to begin the restoration.
All development plans have undergone extensive review by the NPS and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management to ensure they do not interfere with wildlife or the local habitat. A flood-proofing plan and a Zero Waste plan during construction have also been implemented.
“The Bathhouse is emblematic of over half a century of the quintessential NYC seaside experience,” said Jen Nersesian, the National Park Service superintendent of Gateway National Recreation Area. “Its restoration will connect beachgoers with this heritage and provide a new suite of visitor opportunities for generations to come.”